"Looking for Lovely"

Summer Book Club

“Looking for Lovely”

Wednesday, July 19th

“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.” Romans 12:16 (NIV)

“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation.” (CSB)

“Live happily together in a spirit of harmony, and be as mindful of another’s worth as you are your own. Don’t live with a lofty mind-set, thinking you are too important to serve others, but be willing ot do menial tasks and identify with those who are humble minded.” (TPT)

“Get along with each other; don’t be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don’t be the great somebody.” (MSG)

Isn’t it interesting to read the variety of words used in each of these translations? Read through all of them a couple of times and see which words stick out to you.

Now, enjoy the next chapter in our book titled, “Monet’s House.” Annie has done it again. The connection she made between a visit on a family vacation to a dear friend is crazy good. I love it so much.

How appropriate is this chapter for our little group of women? If we could only do life together on a regular basis, I bet we’d find our differences connect us just like Annie’s and Nicole’s.

If you’ve lived any number of years with friends, I bet you’ve discovered the characteristic you most need a friend to have. But, have you lived long enough to have noticed the characteristic you need in a friend because you don’t possess it for yourself?

Here’s what I mean. I am a perfectionist. Naturally, I see things in black or white, right or wrong, good or bad. Period! There is no in between. In my younger years (maybe only months ago), I could not be persuaded. In fact, there was a time I believed only lazy or immoral people searched for gray areas to argue. Y’all, I’m not even a little bit proud of that. Now, though, I know I need friends in my life that see the gray. Women who aren’t restricted by a culture’s view of right/wrong and good/bad force me to think, analyze, and eventually empathize.

What about you? What is a characteristic missing from your natural gifting that you look for in a friend? How has this idea impacted your life and relationships?

God, I’m so thankful for the differences you’ve planted in all of us. Genesis tells us that you created all of us in Your image. But, not one of us is alike. I’m praying you’ll help us to search for ways to be a little uncomfortable in relationship so that the differences never divide but always lead to a deeper expression of unity. Amen.